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The image shows an abstract composition of curving and linear forms. Dark lines and shapes interlock, with surrounding lines suggesting shadows or movement. The overall arrangement resembles a figure or twisting fabric.
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The image shows an abstract composition of curving and linear forms. Dark lines and shapes interlock, with surrounding lines suggesting shadows or movement. The overall arrangement resembles a figure or twisting fabric.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

A Padlock

Sir David Wilkie

Medium
pen and brown ink on wove paper
Dimensions
overall: 6 x 2.8 cm (2 3/8 x 1 1/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1995.52.209
Credit line
Gift of William B. O'Neal
Time span
1776 to 1800
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • object
  • Scottish
  • Lock
Provenance

Mrs. N.C. Butler; (Thos. Agnew & Sons Ltd., London); purchased by William B. O'Neal, Charlottesville, VA, 1968-1994; gift to NGA, 1995. Mrs. N.C. Butler was a descendant of a friend of the artist's (according to O'Neal records).

NGA object ID 91016. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.